Worth County, Missouri

Worth County, Missouri
Location within the U.S. state of Missouri
Coordinates: 40°29′N 94°25′W / 40.48°N 94.42°W / 40.48; -94.42
Country United States
State Missouri
FoundedFebruary 8, 1861
Named afterWilliam J. Worth
SeatGrant City
Largest cityGrant City
Area
 • Total
267 sq mi (690 km2)
 • Land267 sq mi (690 km2)
 • Water0.2 sq mi (0.52 km2)  0.08%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
1,973
 • Estimate 
(2021)
1,983
 • Density7.39/sq mi (2.85/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district6th
Websitewww.worthcounty.us

Worth County is a county located in the northwestern portion of the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,973. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s July 1, 2024 population estimates, Worth County’s population was 1,872, representing a decrease of about 5 % since the 2020 census. It is the smallest county in the state in population and, excluding the independent city of St. Louis, the smallest in total area. Its county seat is Grant City. The county was organized on February 8, 1861, being split from Gentry County, and named for General William J. Worth, who served in the Mexican–American War. Worth County is also the youngest county in the state (again excluding the City of St. Louis, which became independent in 1876).